Gareth Godfrey rued a season of missed opportunities as Newmarket failed to achieve promotion as they were beaten 18-17 by Clacton in the London & SE Divisional play-off.

As the second-placed side in Eastern Counties One, they faced Clacton, who were second in Essex One, but they were dealt a blow when Adam Smith was ruled out on the morning of the match.

Josh Parry then limped off with a knee problem five minutes in and skipper Ali Walker suffered an injury early in the second half.

Clacton kicked an early penalty which was replied to for Newmarket by Michael Reeves.

Stephen Green then touched down for Newmarket and Reeves’ conversion made it 10-3 at half time.

After the break, Clacton landed a long-range penalty and then when they shanked another penalty, they followed it up to get the touch down, which was converted.

A second, well-worked try saw Clacton go 18-10 up before Pat Kearney’s touch down and Reeves’ conversion narrowed the gap to 18-17, but Newmarket could not get another score.

“We had enough ability to beat them but we played to their strengths really, rather than ours,” said director of rugby Gareth Godfrey. “They were just about worthy winners at the end of the day.

“They came with a way to play, stuck to it and that was enough.”

Reflecting on the season as a whole, Godfrey said: “On a couple of occasions, when it really mattered, we were just not up to it. We have to regroup and try to retain all the players we have and add one or two for a bit of depth.

“We have on too many occasions had to make too many changes and that affects your rhythm and flow. The key is now to take that onwards and make sure we start next season with the right mindset.

“If we lose a game against a team that you should beat then you are up against it as you need to be at your best week in, week out. The three biggest games of the season we lost by, essentially, one try.

“We need to put it right to win those tight games next season.”

He added: “It’s disappointing as the opportunity to go up would have given us the chance to progress and develop.”